The MeidasTouch Podcast — “Trump Loses It and Wants Big War to Hide Past!!”
Date: February 14, 2026
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Episode Theme:
The episode dives deep into the recent escalations by Donald Trump, who, as mounting revelations about his administration’s alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein surface, appears to push for war with Iran. The Meiselas brothers analyze Trump’s rhetoric, the disturbing timing of war talk, Congress’s partial shutdown, and draw connections to efforts to deflect from scandal. The hosts also touch on the current economic struggles in the U.S. and the wild state of right-wing politics.
Main Theme & Purpose
This episode centers on Donald Trump’s apparent attempt to use international conflict—specifically a proposed war with Iran—as a distraction amid damaging revelations about his alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The Meiselas brothers discuss the transparency of this strategy, reactions from political figures, Trump’s incoherent justifications, and the broader implications for American democracy and the country's stability.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Epstein Files and Distraction by War
- [01:24] The hosts report new emails tying Epstein closely to Trump’s administration, with claims about official trips to Epstein Island and promises made to figures like Bill Gates.
- [01:40] As these revelations break, Trump pivots dramatically, touting imminent military action against Iran. The hosts frame this as “classic wag the dog” (using war to distract from scandal).
Quote:
“Now Donald Trump’s like, we gotta go to war. Time for some wag the dog action and we're going to go to war with Iran right now to try to distract from the Epstein files.”
— Political Commentator (02:00)
2. Congressional Stalemate and Obstruction
- With Trump’s pressure mounting and the Epstein file disclosures, Congress is partially shutdown. The Meiselas brothers point this out as a calculated obstruction, with “MAGA Mike” and Senator Thune pushing for a 10-day recess to avoid further oversight or accountability.
3. Trump’s Iran Rhetoric — Incoherence and Escalation
- [03:56] Trump is quoted in press interactions expressing vague support for “regime change” in Iran, but offering no clear plan.
- The brothers highlight inconsistencies, such as Trump claiming Iranian nuclear sites were already “obliterated,” yet still pushing for further attacks.
Memorable Quote:
“They've already started. [...] We have tremendous power has arrived and additional power, as you know, and other carriers going out.”
— Donald Trump (Clip, 03:56)
- [04:40] When asked what Iran can do to prevent an attack, Trump cryptically suggests, “Make a deal with me,” with no details or strategy.
4. Lack of Transparency and Accountability
-
[05:33] Upon being asked, "Who would you want to take over [in Iran]?", Trump refuses to answer:
Quote:
“I don't want to talk about that.”
— Donald Trump (Clip, 05:33) -
The hosts note that responsible leaders outline post-war goals, while Trump dodges.
5. Political Figures Expressing Fear
- [06:24] The brothers draw attention to Rep. Thomas Massie’s public statement asserting that he is not suicidal, as a preemptive measure for his safety after pushing for Epstein file transparency.
- This is framed as reflective of the nation's fraught political climate:
Quote:
“Maga Republican, not a MAGA anymore, Republican Thomas Massie writes, 'I’m not suicidal. I eat healthy food…' That’s where we’re at.”
— Political Commentator (approx. 07:05)
6. Trump’s Election Interference Rhetoric
- Trump posts on social media about unilaterally enforcing voter ID and restricting mail-in ballots, despite lacking the authority, amplifying fears of election interference.
7. Exposing Trump’s Grifter Tactics
- The hosts call out Trump’s scam emails promising Dogecoin and tariff rebate checks, which are just fundraising grifts:
Quote:
“When you click on the link, it tells you to give money to Trump. If you want the Doge rebate check, you need to pay Trump. And then he doesn't give you the Doge dividend check.”
— Political Commentator (approx. 08:55)
8. More Diversions: The Greenland “Negotiations”
- [09:34] Trump again references “negotiating to take over Greenland,” which hosts dismiss as another distraction:
Quote:
“Every time he says that, it's like, we get it. You don't want us to talk about the Epstein files. That you appear 38,000 times on the unredacted files, a million times in the redacted files. Here it is right here. Let's play it.”
— Political Commentator
9. Salacious GOP Gossip and Political Dysfunction
- Hosts share reports of South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s (alleged) affair and related staff drama, using it as an example of ongoing chaos in GOP circles.
- Marco Rubio canceled meetings with Ukraine at a critical time, indicating U.S. foreign policy disarray.
10. Economic Hardships for Average Americans
- The episode closes with sobering statistics: rising debt, surging consumer delinquencies, the burden of tariffs, and even Americans selling plasma to make ends meet.
Quote:
“Middle class Americans are struggling so much to afford rent that they are selling their plasma to make ends meet. And the donation of plasma industry is that's, that's where jobs are being created right now because Americans can't afford anything. So they're giving their plasma away.”
— Political Commentator (11:30)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On Trump’s Wag The Dog Tactics:
“You’re going to now recklessly and maliciously get Americans killed potentially and put Americans into war to cover up the Epstein files.”
— Political Commentator (02:15) -
On Trump’s Confusing Iran Justifications:
“What can Iran do to avoid attack? Give us the deal that they should have given us the first time. They give us the right deal, we won't do that. But... they do a lot of talking and no action.”
— Donald Trump (Clip, 04:40) -
On the Absurdity of Distraction Attempts:
“Yesterday he was like, we're going after Greenland again. We're, I'm negotiating to take over Greenland. Okay? Every time he says that, it's like, we get it. You don't want us to talk about the Epstein files.”
— Political Commentator (09:25)
Timestamps: Important Segments
- 01:24: Epstein revelations and Trump’s sudden push for war
- 03:56: Trump’s press clips and incoherent Iran statements
- 05:33: Trump’s evasion on post-regime change plans for Iran
- 06:24: Congressional shutdown and Rep. Thomas Massie’s fear for safety
- 07:45: Trump grasping for distractions, including Greenland reference
- 10:20: GOP gossip and foreign policy dysfunction
- 11:25: American economic hardships
Tone & Style
- The brothers maintain a direct, irreverent, and outraged tone, blending biting critique with comedic asides and personal incredulity.
- The episode is densely packed with current events, urgent warnings about democratic backsliding, and an undercurrent of dark humor.
Useful for Listeners Who Missed the Episode
This summary encapsulates the full arc of the Meiselas brothers’ discussion: from the breaking scandal of Trump’s tangled ties with Epstein, through his erratic foreign policy saber-rattling, the dysfunction of Congress, scams targeting his supporters, chaotic right-wing politics, and pressing economic issues facing everyday Americans. The episode is a rallying call for vigilance and accountability, delivered with the trademark energy and skepticism of the MeidasTouch crew.